Brennan defends drones to kill terrorists

John Brennan, Assistant to U.S. President Barack Obama for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism. (File Photo by SAUL LOEB/AFP/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON -- CIA director nominee John Brennan's vigorous defense of drone strikes to kill terror suspects is prompting some lawmakers to consider lifting secrecy from what has become an important weapon in the fight against al-Qaida.

Brennan was grilled by senators Thursday on the drone program he leads.

He also was questioned about the CIA's harsh interrogation techniques during the Bush administration, which he denounced, and on leaks of classified information to the media, which Brennan vehemently denied being a part of.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein of California told reporters afterward that she wants to open more of the drone program to the public so U.S. officials can correct what she says are exaggerated reports of civilian casualties.